spider strap

noun — 2 senses

spider strap

noun

Etymology From the resemblance to a spider's many legs.

1

A system of connected straps (for example on luggage or for equine use).

2

Emergency medicine, Medicine, Sciences In plural One of a ten-armed system of straps used by responders in backboard immobilization.

  • "SPIDER STRAPS" provide a very quick and efficient way to secure a patient to a long backboard.1995, Nancy L. Caroline, Nancy L. Caroline, Emergency care in the streets, link:
  • She secured the straps, pulling them tight to let the weight settle to her shoulder and back muscles. Fanning the spider straps of the face mask, she took a deep breath and donned it chin first, then straps at the neck, temple,2005, Dee Henderson, The Protector, link:
1 more example
  • “Hey,” Beverly said, looking with dismay at the spider straps that secured Frankie to the backboard. “Dr. Bower, how can I get an EKG with him strapped down?”2009, Sacred Trust, page 152:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.